Scholz with Tusk: Trump's statements are dangerous and play into Russia's hands

(Patria) - German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk sharply criticized on Tuesday in Berlin the statements of former US President Donald Trump that the US should not defend other NATO members at all costs.

Trump, who is again running for president, sparked anger among Western partners when he suggested on Sunday that the US might not defend NATO allies from a potential Russian attack if they do not spend enough on defense.

- Any relativization of the guarantees to come to the aid of other NATO members is irresponsible and dangerous and only plays into Russia's hands - Scholz said after a meeting with Tusk in Berlin.

He added that "Poland's security is our security".

- The obligation to protect every NATO member is unlimited. All for one, one for all - Scholz emphasized.

He stated that Germany and Poland cooperate at all levels and that solidarity and joint action are indispensable today, Hina reports.

- Especially at a time when Russian imperialism threatens the common security of Europe - Scholz said.

Tusk stated that Germany and Poland must take joint responsibility for increasing Europe's defense capabilities. He added that there is no alternative to close cooperation between Europe and the US.

- We must do everything to ensure that transatlantic cooperation remains the foundation of our security. There is no alternative to this cooperation - Tusk said.

The Polish Prime Minister, who visited Paris before Berlin, said that the European Union is "financially and economically superior" compared to Russia and that money should not be an obstacle to Europe's defense strengthening.

- There is no reason why the strongest economic and technological power in the world, such as the EU, is not effective when it comes to armament at a time when it is threatened by an aggressive neighbor - Tusk stated.

Referring to the demand of the former Polish right-wing government for the payment of war reparations, Scholz once again emphasized Germany's responsibility for the atrocities committed in World War II.

- Germany's responsibility cannot be abolished by simply drawing a line under a historical period - Scholz said.

Relations between Germany and Poland fell to their lowest level in recent years during the rule of the conservative Law and Justice (PiS) party, in which Warsaw repeatedly raised the issue of war reparations.